Hatfield-McCoy Patriarchs

Meet the patriarchs from each side of the infamous feud: “Devil Anse” Hatfield (left) and “Randall” McCoy (right). Devil Anse would lose a brother and nephew to the violence, Randall would lose 5 children. Numerous other kin died on both sides. The root cause of the conflict was money, jealousy -- and a desire for revenge.9601280

Meet the patriarchs from each side of the infamous feud: “Devil Anse” Hatfield (left) and “Randall” McCoy (right). Devil Anse would lose a brother and nephew to the violence, Randall would lose 5 children. Numerous other kin died on both sides. The root cause of the conflict was money, jealousy -- and a desire for revenge.

West Virginia Division of Tourism

Tug River Valley

Tug River Valley

The Tug River separated the Hatfields from the McCoys, as well as West Virginia from Kentucky. Hatfield (of West Virginia) built one of the most successful timber businesses in the valley. McCoy (of Kentucky) was not as lucky. Animosities grew in 1872 when Devil Anse Hatfield won 5,000 acres of land in court that had previously belonged to Randall McCoy’s cousin. McCoy was furious. 9601280

The Tug River separated the Hatfields from the McCoys, as well as West Virginia from Kentucky. Hatfield (of West Virginia) built one of the most successful timber businesses in the valley. McCoy (of Kentucky) was not as lucky. Animosities grew in 1872 when Devil Anse Hatfield won 5,000 acres of land in court that had previously belonged to Randall McCoy’s cousin. McCoy was furious.

Natalie Young

Floodwall, Tug Fork River

Floodwall, Tug Fork River

This floodwall in Matewan, WV, notes the years of the feud: 1878-1890. The first real violence between the families was the murder of a veteran Union soldier, Asa Harmon McCoy. Initially, Devil Anse Hatfield’s uncle was a suspect. Thirteen years later, in 1878, tensions between the Hatfields and McCoys grew over the disputed ownership of a hog. The McCoys lost based on the testimony of a local man, Bill Staton -- he was later killed by 2 McCoy boys.9601280

This floodwall in Matewan, WV, notes the years of the feud: 1878-1890. The first real violence between the families was the murder of a veteran Union soldier, Asa Harmon McCoy. Initially, Devil Anse Hatfield’s uncle was a suspect. Thirteen years later, in 1878, tensions between the Hatfields and McCoys grew over the disputed ownership of a hog. The McCoys lost based on the testimony of a local man, Bill Staton -- he was later killed by 2 McCoy boys.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Digital Visual Library, Wikimedia Commons

Hatfield-McCoy Love Match

Hatfield-McCoy Love Match

This feud wouldn’t be complete without a tragic love story. Randall McCoy’s daughter, Roseanna, fell in love with Devil Anse Hatfield’s son, Johnse, at an Election Day event in 1881. Soon after, Roseanna became pregnant with Johnse’s child. But Johnse didn’t stick around for long. Roseanna’s baby died of measles at 8 months; 6 months later Johnse married Roseanna’s first cousin. Roseanna died several years later -- no one knows of what -- but some say she died of a broken heart. Here, a shot of the baby's gravesite in Pike County, KY.9601280

This feud wouldn’t be complete without a tragic love story. Randall McCoy’s daughter, Roseanna, fell in love with Devil Anse Hatfield’s son, Johnse, at an Election Day event in 1881. Soon after, Roseanna became pregnant with Johnse’s child. But Johnse didn’t stick around for long. Roseanna’s baby died of measles at 8 months; 6 months later Johnse married Roseanna’s first cousin. Roseanna died several years later -- no one knows of what -- but some say she died of a broken heart. Here, a shot of the baby's gravesite in Pike County, KY.

Vicki Pinson

Election Day Fight

Election Day Fight

Tensions between the families exploded in August 1882 on this spot -- in Pike County, KY, at the intersection of Rt. 1056 and Rt. 319. On Election Day, Ellison Hatfield (brother of Devil Anse) was stabbed 26 times by 3 McCoy boys, then finished off with a bullet to the back. More blood would soon be spilled. 9601280

Tensions between the families exploded in August 1882 on this spot -- in Pike County, KY, at the intersection of Rt. 1056 and Rt. 319. On Election Day, Ellison Hatfield (brother of Devil Anse) was stabbed 26 times by 3 McCoy boys, then finished off with a bullet to the back. More blood would soon be spilled.

Natalie Young

Pawpaw Massacre

Pawpaw Massacre

Ellison Hatfield died an agonizing death after 3 long days -- and soon the 3 McCoy boys would pay the price here, along the Tug River, off Route 1056 in Buskirk, KY. They were tied by Hatfield kin to pawpaw trees and shot multiple times. Witnesses described their bodies as "bullet-riddled." The Hatfields weren't through with the McCoys ...9601280

Ellison Hatfield died an agonizing death after 3 long days -- and soon the 3 McCoy boys would pay the price here, along the Tug River, off Route 1056 in Buskirk, KY. They were tied by Hatfield kin to pawpaw trees and shot multiple times. Witnesses described their bodies as "bullet-riddled." The Hatfields weren't through with the McCoys ...

Natalie Young

New Year's Night Massacre

New Year's Night Massacre

In the dark, remaining hours of 1887, members of the Hatfield clan surrounded Randall McCoy’s cabin in Hardy, KY, and set it on fire. Randall escaped, but 2 of his children were murdered and his wife was beaten with a rifle butt. (All that remains of the cabin is this well.) The horror of that night led Randall’s cousin (the guy who lost 5,000 acres to the Hatfields years before) to hire a posse led by "Bad" Frank Phillips -- and bring the Hatfields to justice in Kentucky.9601280

In the dark, remaining hours of 1887, members of the Hatfield clan surrounded Randall McCoy’s cabin in Hardy, KY, and set it on fire. Randall escaped, but 2 of his children were murdered and his wife was beaten with a rifle butt. (All that remains of the cabin is this well.) The horror of that night led Randall’s cousin (the guy who lost 5,000 acres to the Hatfields years before) to hire a posse led by "Bad" Frank Phillips -- and bring the Hatfields to justice in Kentucky.

Natalie Young

Old Courthouse and Jail

Old Courthouse and Jail

In 1888, 7 Hatfields stood trial in this courthouse on Main Street in Pikeville, KY. All were sentenced to life imprisonment. But someone had to pay the ultimate price. That scapegoat turned out to be an 8th Hatfield, Ellison Mounts. Despite a mental impairment, he was hanged before a crowd of thousands in Pikeville. The year was 1890, and the Hatfield-McCoy feud had finally ended, leaving 12 people dead.9601280

In 1888, 7 Hatfields stood trial in this courthouse on Main Street in Pikeville, KY. All were sentenced to life imprisonment. But someone had to pay the ultimate price. That scapegoat turned out to be an 8th Hatfield, Ellison Mounts. Despite a mental impairment, he was hanged before a crowd of thousands in Pikeville. The year was 1890, and the Hatfield-McCoy feud had finally ended, leaving 12 people dead.

Tourpikecounty.com

Hatfield Cemetery Entrance

Hatfield Cemetery Entrance

So, which family won the feud? That question was settled -- once and for all -- nearly a century later, in 1979, when both sides appeared on the game show Family Feud ... the Hatfields beat the McCoys 301-227. Later, in the wake of Sept. 11, 2001, both families symbolically authored an official truce. Today, an annual reunion is held the second weekend in June in Pikeville, KY, Matewan and Williamson, WV. Pictured here is the Hatfield Cemetery, located along West Virginia Route 44.9601280

So, which family won the feud? That question was settled -- once and for all -- nearly a century later, in 1979, when both sides appeared on the game show Family Feud ... the Hatfields beat the McCoys 301-227. Later, in the wake of Sept. 11, 2001, both families symbolically authored an official truce. Today, an annual reunion is held the second weekend in June in Pikeville, KY, Matewan and Williamson, WV. Pictured here is the Hatfield Cemetery, located along West Virginia Route 44.

David Gore

Devil Anse Hatfield Statue

Devil Anse Hatfield Statue

The centerpiece of the Hatfield Cemetery is this life-size statue of Devil Anse, who died of pneumonia at the age of 81. The statue was commissioned by his 13 children shortly after his death in 1921, and erected in 1926. It’s made of Carrara marble from Italy, with Devil Anse’s likeness based on old photographs and physical descriptions of the patriarch's 5-foot-9-inch frame.9601280

The centerpiece of the Hatfield Cemetery is this life-size statue of Devil Anse, who died of pneumonia at the age of 81. The statue was commissioned by his 13 children shortly after his death in 1921, and erected in 1926. It’s made of Carrara marble from Italy, with Devil Anse’s likeness based on old photographs and physical descriptions of the patriarch's 5-foot-9-inch frame.

David Gore

Matewan Historic District

Matewan Historic District

This street sign in Matewan, WV, bears the names of the 2 families. In the decades following the famous family feud, Matewan’s historic district was the site of another violent chapter: the Matewan Massacre, a 1920 shootout between local miners and the law. This time, a Hatfield was on the side of the law: Matewan’s police chief was Sid Hatfield. The district also includes the Matewan Depot, where you'll find old photographs of the Hatfields and McCoys. 9601280

This street sign in Matewan, WV, bears the names of the 2 families. In the decades following the famous family feud, Matewan’s historic district was the site of another violent chapter: the Matewan Massacre, a 1920 shootout between local miners and the law. This time, a Hatfield was on the side of the law: Matewan’s police chief was Sid Hatfield. The district also includes the Matewan Depot, where you'll find old photographs of the Hatfields and McCoys.

David Gore

The Matewan Depot

The Matewan Depot

Explore the Hatfield-McCoy feud at the Matewan Depot. The small museum showcases various photographs from both families, as well as other key figures from the conflict such as “Bad” Frank Phillips -- the leader of the posse that brought the Hatfields to justice. The museum also includes a miniature replica of the cabin where the hog trial was held. 9601280

Explore the Hatfield-McCoy feud at the Matewan Depot. The small museum showcases various photographs from both families, as well as other key figures from the conflict such as “Bad” Frank Phillips -- the leader of the posse that brought the Hatfields to justice. The museum also includes a miniature replica of the cabin where the hog trial was held.

Natalie Young

Coal House

Coal House

Also get your bearings at the Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce (about 20 miles from Matewan). It's housed inside the Coal House, a black building in Williamson, WV, built out of West Virginia coal. Inside, you’ll find an original legal summons once issued against Devil Anse Hatfield. Across the street, spend the night at the historic Mountaineer Hotel, where icons past and present, from JFK to Loretta Lynn, have stayed.9601280

Also get your bearings at the Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce (about 20 miles from Matewan). It's housed inside the Coal House, a black building in Williamson, WV, built out of West Virginia coal. Inside, you’ll find an original legal summons once issued against Devil Anse Hatfield. Across the street, spend the night at the historic Mountaineer Hotel, where icons past and present, from JFK to Loretta Lynn, have stayed.

Wesley Blaine Wilson

Pikeville Historic Mansion

Pikeville Historic Mansion

While touring Hatfield-McCoy sites on the Kentucky side, spend the night at Pikeville Historic Mansion Bed & Breakfast. Nearby attractions include Dils Cemetery, which is the final resting place for several members of the McCoy clan, including family patriarch Randall, his wife Sarah and daughter Roseanna. 9601280

While touring Hatfield-McCoy sites on the Kentucky side, spend the night at Pikeville Historic Mansion Bed & Breakfast. Nearby attractions include Dils Cemetery, which is the final resting place for several members of the McCoy clan, including family patriarch Randall, his wife Sarah and daughter Roseanna.

Pikeville Historic Mansion

Hatfield-McCoy Trails

Hatfield-McCoy Trails

Channel your inner Hatfield-and-McCoy rage on an ATV and rip across one of the largest off-highway vehicle trail systems in the world. The Hatfield-McCoy Trails cut through 9 West Virginia counties, across 500 miles. 9601280

Channel your inner Hatfield-and-McCoy rage on an ATV and rip across one of the largest off-highway vehicle trail systems in the world. The Hatfield-McCoy Trails cut through 9 West Virginia counties, across 500 miles.

West Virginia Division of Tourism

Wingo's Grill

Wingo's Grill

Near the Pawpaw Massacre site, you’ll find Wingo’s Grill. The restaurant, based in Matewan, WV, specializes in vinegar-based, slow-cooked barbecue. Pull up a seat and enjoy some good mountain cooking. 9601280

Near the Pawpaw Massacre site, you’ll find Wingo’s Grill. The restaurant, based in Matewan, WV, specializes in vinegar-based, slow-cooked barbecue. Pull up a seat and enjoy some good mountain cooking.

Natalie Young

Morrison's Drive Inn

Morrison's Drive Inn

And when night falls, kick back at Morrison's Drive-Inn in Logan County, WV. Since 1948, the restaurant has been servings its famous hot dogs, earning it the distinction as the "No. 1 Hot Dog in the State of WV." It was also ranked one of the top 32 hot-dog spots in America by Every Day with Rachael Ray magazine in March 2011. 9601280

And when night falls, kick back at Morrison's Drive-Inn in Logan County, WV. Since 1948, the restaurant has been servings its famous hot dogs, earning it the distinction as the "No. 1 Hot Dog in the State of WV." It was also ranked one of the top 32 hot-dog spots in America by Every Day with Rachael Ray magazine in March 2011.

David Gore

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Texas, The Alamo

Texas, The Alamo

The Alamo is the most enduring symbol of Texas independence. In 1836, Mexican forces waged a 13-day battle on the grounds of a former church. In the end, Mexican forces killed 190 men, including frontiersman Davy Crockett. Soon the battle cry “Remember the Alamo” led Texas forces to victory at the battle of San Jacinto -- a move that secured Texas’s independence. 9601280

The Alamo is the most enduring symbol of Texas independence. In 1836, Mexican forces waged a 13-day battle on the grounds of a former church. In the end, Mexican forces killed 190 men, including frontiersman Davy Crockett. Soon the battle cry “Remember the Alamo” led Texas forces to victory at the battle of San Jacinto -- a move that secured Texas’s independence.

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Iowa, High Trestle Trail Bridge

Iowa, High Trestle Trail Bridge

Take in the awe-inspiring view of the Des Moines River Valley from the High Trestle Trail Bridge. The bridge is located in central Iowa near the town of Madrid, and is the centerpiece of a 25-mile trail that runs from the cities of Ankeny to Woodward. At 2,300 feet long and 13 stories tall, it is the fifth largest trail bridge in the world.9601280

Take in the awe-inspiring view of the Des Moines River Valley from the High Trestle Trail Bridge. The bridge is located in central Iowa near the town of Madrid, and is the centerpiece of a 25-mile trail that runs from the cities of Ankeny to Woodward. At 2,300 feet long and 13 stories tall, it is the fifth largest trail bridge in the world.

Iowa Tourism Office

Wisconsin, Taliesin

Wisconsin, Taliesin

Taliesin, located near Spring Green, WI, was the summer home of the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It was where he designed the architecture of Fallingwater and the Guggenheim, among others. 9601280

Taliesin, located near Spring Green, WI, was the summer home of the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It was where he designed the architecture of Fallingwater and the Guggenheim, among others.

Toy Dog Design, flickr

California, Golden Gate Bridge

California, Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge has been called the most “beautiful bridge in the country, if not the world.” So just why isn’t the bridge golden? The term “Golden Gate” actually refers to the Golden Gate Strait, which is the entry point to the San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean. As for the bridge’s color -- it’s International Orange, a color that’s often used in the aerospace industry to distinguish objects from their surroundings … in the bridge’s case, visibility on foggy days.9601280

The Golden Gate Bridge has been called the most “beautiful bridge in the country, if not the world.” So just why isn’t the bridge golden? The term “Golden Gate” actually refers to the Golden Gate Strait, which is the entry point to the San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean. As for the bridge’s color -- it’s International Orange, a color that’s often used in the aerospace industry to distinguish objects from their surroundings … in the bridge’s case, visibility on foggy days.

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Minnesota, Headwaters of the Mississippi River at Lake Itacsa

Minnesota, Headwaters of the Mississippi River at Lake Itacsa

At Lake Itasca in Minnesota, the Mississippi River begins its flow toward Louisiana. The Mississippi’s headwaters are surrounded by the picturesque woods of the Itasca State Park. 9601280

At Lake Itasca in Minnesota, the Mississippi River begins its flow toward Louisiana. The Mississippi’s headwaters are surrounded by the picturesque woods of the Itasca State Park.

Explore Minnesota Tourism

Oregon, Crater Lake

Oregon, Crater Lake

Distinguished by its clarity and deep blue color, Crater Lake in southern Oregon has a violent past. A caldera lake, it was formed when the volcano Mount Mazama collapsed. 9601280

Distinguished by its clarity and deep blue color, Crater Lake in southern Oregon has a violent past. A caldera lake, it was formed when the volcano Mount Mazama collapsed.

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Kansas, Dodge City

Kansas, Dodge City

“Get out of Dodge” -- that popular phrase owes its origins to the wild frontier town of Dodge City, KS. The town’s roots stretch back to 1871, when a rancher built a sod house in the area to oversee his cattle operations. Soon the town grew – and so did the violence. Wyatt Earp, one of the toughest and deadliest gunmen of his day, became marshal of the town in 1876 -- with gun-slinging exploits that earned the town national attention. 9601280

“Get out of Dodge” -- that popular phrase owes its origins to the wild frontier town of Dodge City, KS. The town’s roots stretch back to 1871, when a rancher built a sod house in the area to oversee his cattle operations. Soon the town grew – and so did the violence. Wyatt Earp, one of the toughest and deadliest gunmen of his day, became marshal of the town in 1876 -- with gun-slinging exploits that earned the town national attention.

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West Virginia's 150th

West Virginia's 150th

The Mountain State marks its 150th anniversary in 2013. In June 1863, at the height of the Civil War, an expanse of land in the Appalachian Mountain range broke away from the state of Virginia, becoming the only state to form by seceding from the Confederacy. Among West Virginia’s must-see sites is the New River Gorge, a 3,030-foot-long steel arch bridge near Fayetteville, WV.9601280

The Mountain State marks its 150th anniversary in 2013. In June 1863, at the height of the Civil War, an expanse of land in the Appalachian Mountain range broke away from the state of Virginia, becoming the only state to form by seceding from the Confederacy. Among West Virginia’s must-see sites is the New River Gorge, a 3,030-foot-long steel arch bridge near Fayetteville, WV.

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Nevada, Las Vegas Strip

Nevada, Las Vegas Strip

The Strip -- a lot of action happens along this 4.2-mile stretch of Vegas. The Strip runs from Sahara Avenue to Russell Road, with famous resorts and casinos, plus 15 of the world’s 25 largest hotels, in between. 9601280

The Strip -- a lot of action happens along this 4.2-mile stretch of Vegas. The Strip runs from Sahara Avenue to Russell Road, with famous resorts and casinos, plus 15 of the world’s 25 largest hotels, in between.

TravelNevada, flickr

Nebraska, Chimney Rock

Nebraska, Chimney Rock

“Pack your wagon” and discover one of the wonders of the West. At 4,226 above sea level, Chimney Rock in western Nebraska is visible for miles -- which is why it was the perfect landmark for pioneering travelers on the Oregon Trail. In fact, it was the landmark mentioned most frequently in journal entries by travelers of the day. 9601280

“Pack your wagon” and discover one of the wonders of the West. At 4,226 above sea level, Chimney Rock in western Nebraska is visible for miles -- which is why it was the perfect landmark for pioneering travelers on the Oregon Trail. In fact, it was the landmark mentioned most frequently in journal entries by travelers of the day.

Steve Cornelius, flickr

Colorado, Colorado National Monument

Colorado, Colorado National Monument

Millions of years of erosion went into making the vibrant, orange, slick walls and canyons of Colorado National Monument. Spanning 20,500 acres, the monument is composed of deep canyons that cut into sandstone and granite in the desert on the Colorado Plateau. Red-tailed hawks, golden eagles and coyotes live among the juniper forests on the plateau.9601280

Millions of years of erosion went into making the vibrant, orange, slick walls and canyons of Colorado National Monument. Spanning 20,500 acres, the monument is composed of deep canyons that cut into sandstone and granite in the desert on the Colorado Plateau. Red-tailed hawks, golden eagles and coyotes live among the juniper forests on the plateau.

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North Dakota, Painted Canyon

North Dakota, Painted Canyon

In September 1883 future US president Theodore Roosevelt visited the North Dakota Badlands to hunt bison. He soon fell in love with the “perfect freedom” of the West. Discover this world of flat desert mixed with petrified wood and rock formations at the Theodore Roosevelt National Park -- its Painted Canyon Overlook offers visitors unparalleled vistas in a myriad colors.9601280

In September 1883 future US president Theodore Roosevelt visited the North Dakota Badlands to hunt bison. He soon fell in love with the “perfect freedom” of the West. Discover this world of flat desert mixed with petrified wood and rock formations at the Theodore Roosevelt National Park -- its Painted Canyon Overlook offers visitors unparalleled vistas in a myriad colors.

North Dakota Tourism

South Dakota, Mount Rushmore

South Dakota, Mount Rushmore

In 1923 South Dakota historian Doane Robinson envisioned carving the likenesses of US presidents into South Dakota’s Black Hills region. It took 14 years and 400 workers to complete Mount Rushmore, with the likenesses of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln intricately carved into the granite. Today, Mount Rushmore is South Dakota’s top tourist draw. 9601280

In 1923 South Dakota historian Doane Robinson envisioned carving the likenesses of US presidents into South Dakota’s Black Hills region. It took 14 years and 400 workers to complete Mount Rushmore, with the likenesses of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln intricately carved into the granite. Today, Mount Rushmore is South Dakota’s top tourist draw.

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Montana, Wild Goose Island in St. Mary Lake, Glacier National Park

Montana, Wild Goose Island in St. Mary Lake, Glacier National Park

St. Mary Lake in Glacier National Park features a small island in its center called Wild Goose Island. Folklore surrounds its name -- the story goes that 2 young lovers met on the island where they were turned into geese … and so given the chance to stay together forever and flee their disapproving tribes. 9601280

St. Mary Lake in Glacier National Park features a small island in its center called Wild Goose Island. Folklore surrounds its name -- the story goes that 2 young lovers met on the island where they were turned into geese … and so given the chance to stay together forever and flee their disapproving tribes.

CoyStClair / iStock / Thinkstock

Washington, Space Needle

Washington, Space Needle

Seattle’s Space Needle was built for the 1962 World’s Fair. It features an observation deck at 520 feet and a rotating restaurant (at 500 feet) that offers diners 360-degree views of the city.9601280

Seattle’s Space Needle was built for the 1962 World’s Fair. It features an observation deck at 520 feet and a rotating restaurant (at 500 feet) that offers diners 360-degree views of the city.

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Idaho, Middle Fork of the Salmon River

Idaho, Middle Fork of the Salmon River

Middle Fork of the Salmon River spans 110 miles, and includes 300 ratable rapids and 6 natural hot springs, making it a popular whitewater rafting destination.9601280

Middle Fork of the Salmon River spans 110 miles, and includes 300 ratable rapids and 6 natural hot springs, making it a popular whitewater rafting destination.

ROW Adventures

Wyoming, Old Faithful

Wyoming, Old Faithful

Two-thirds of the world’s geysers are located at Yellowstone National Park -- among the park’s 300 geysers, Old Faithful is its most famous. In 1870, Old Faithful became the first geyser in Yellowstone to be named, earning its name due to its predictable eruptions every 91 minutes. 9601280

Two-thirds of the world’s geysers are located at Yellowstone National Park -- among the park’s 300 geysers, Old Faithful is its most famous. In 1870, Old Faithful became the first geyser in Yellowstone to be named, earning its name due to its predictable eruptions every 91 minutes.

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Utah, Salt Lake Temple

Utah, Salt Lake Temple

The largest Mormon temple, Salt Lake Temple took 40 years to complete. The cornerstone was laid by Brigham Young, the second president of the Mormon Church and founder of Salt Lake City. 9601280

The largest Mormon temple, Salt Lake Temple took 40 years to complete. The cornerstone was laid by Brigham Young, the second president of the Mormon Church and founder of Salt Lake City.

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Oklahoma, Oklahoma City National Memorial

Oklahoma, Oklahoma City National Memorial

The Oklahoma City National Memorial honors all who were affected by the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995. The memorial includes a reflecting pool, field of empty chairs, survivors’ wall and survivor tree. The eastern gate, seen here, represents the last minute of peace before the bombing.9601280

The Oklahoma City National Memorial honors all who were affected by the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995. The memorial includes a reflecting pool, field of empty chairs, survivors’ wall and survivor tree. The eastern gate, seen here, represents the last minute of peace before the bombing.

Danita Delimont / Gallo Images / Getty Images

New Mexico, Chaco Culture National Historical Park

New Mexico, Chaco Culture National Historical Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico contains the most expansive collection of ancient pueblos and ruins north of Mexico.9601280

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico contains the most expansive collection of ancient pueblos and ruins north of Mexico.

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Arizona, Havasupai Falls

Arizona, Havasupai Falls

In the midst of the Arizona heat, Havasupai Falls offers a relaxing swimming hole -- making it the perfect place to cool off in the Grand Canyon.9601280

In the midst of the Arizona heat, Havasupai Falls offers a relaxing swimming hole -- making it the perfect place to cool off in the Grand Canyon.

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Alaska, Mt. McKinley

Alaska, Mt. McKinley

The highest mountain peak in the United States, Mount McKinley in Alaska is regularly climbed with 58% of climbers reaching the top. 9601280

The highest mountain peak in the United States, Mount McKinley in Alaska is regularly climbed with 58% of climbers reaching the top.

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Hawaii, USS Arizona Memorial

Hawaii, USS Arizona Memorial

Situated on Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, the USS Arizona Memorial straddles the sunken hull of the battleship, marking the final resting place of 1,102 soldiers who were killed on that fateful attack that led to the United States’ involvement in World War II. 9601280

Situated on Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, the USS Arizona Memorial straddles the sunken hull of the battleship, marking the final resting place of 1,102 soldiers who were killed on that fateful attack that led to the United States’ involvement in World War II.